Giant Molecules: Here, There, & Everywhere. By Alexander Yu Grosberg

As a scientific text it is without doubt one of the easiest to read I have ever encountered. Despite this, it remains highly informative. It covers all areas of modern polymer physics including fractals and coil dynamics. The authors have managed, without compromising their scientific contents, to include a number of interesting anecdotes that place the science in its true context, both technologically and historically.

I would commend this book to anyone with an interest in polymer science, whether established experts or complete newcomers - it really is an excellent starting point for the subject. Included with the text is a CD-ROM which has a number of simulation movies associated with the text. These movies can be used to reinforce various parts of the text and are referenced at appropriate points when reading the text. There are 18 movies in all, illustrating such diverse aspects as detergency, brownian motion, polymers in solution, and coil swelling. An interesting touch is the possibility to create your own movies using the supplied algorithm that was used by the authors. I highly recommend this book.